Mount Saint Mary's University

Mount Saint Mary's University publishes a total cost of attendance of $64,637 annually, including $48,132 in tuition, $14,154 for room and board, and $2,434 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.

The average net price across all income levels is $25,009, representing $39,628 in financial aid savings compared to the sticker price. This represents a 61.3% reduction from published costs through institutional and federal aid programs.

Net price varies substantially by family income, ranging from $17,327 for families earning under $30,000 to $36,716 for families earning over $110,000. The $19,389 gap between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates progressive aid targeting toward lower-income families.

Compared to peer institutions, Mount Saint Mary's net price of $25,009 exceeds the peer median of $21,812 by $3,197, indicating higher costs relative to similar institutions. However, the substantial aid reduction from sticker price shows institutional commitment to affordability despite elevated published costs.

Families should focus on net price calculations rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as actual costs vary significantly by financial circumstances.

Mount Saint Mary's graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time, with median earnings growing from $61,335 six years after enrollment to $67,516 at eight years and $72,379 at ten years, representing 18% growth between the six-year and ten-year marks. These outcomes reflect data from 1,078 graduates in the ten-year cohort, providing strong confidence in reported figures.

The university generates $34,069 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it among the highest we track nationally at the 98.4th percentile. Low-income graduates earn $58,000, positioning the institution favorably for economic mobility outcomes.

Graduates earn $21,967 more annually than the peer median of $50,412, representing a 43.6% earnings premium over similar institutions. Earnings distribution spans from $44,640 to $114,343, with the substantial spread primarily reflecting the university's health-focused program portfolio.

Approximately 44.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study according to program mix estimates, indicating strong preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Mount Saint Mary's University admits 68.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the Moderately Selective category, making admission more accessible than highly competitive universities while maintaining academic standards.

The peer median admission rate of 75.6% indicates Mount Saint Mary's is slightly more selective than typical institutions serving similar student populations. This selectivity level provides prospective students with reasonable admission prospects while ensuring academic preparation standards.

Students with solid academic records should view Mount Saint Mary's as a realistic admission target rather than a reach school. The moderately selective admission rate combines with the university's health sciences focus, meaning applicants interested in nursing and related fields will find more predictable admission outcomes than at highly competitive programs.

For students building college lists, Mount Saint Mary's represents a solid match school where qualified applicants can expect favorable admission consideration. The 68.7% acceptance rate means students should still present strong applications, but admission uncertainty remains lower than at highly selective institutions.

Mount Saint Mary's offers five bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, ranking #8 nationally and #7 in California while producing 204 graduates (59.8% of total) with median earnings of $105,602 and an exceptional value score of 97.4.

Applied Behavior Analysis achieves the highest national ranking at #2 and #1 in California, graduating 43 students with median earnings of $49,729 and a strong value score of 94.4. Business Administration and Management ranks #200 nationally and #33 in California, graduating 45 students with median earnings of $60,854.

The program portfolio reflects the university's health sciences mission, with nursing representing the flagship offering and Applied Behavior Analysis demonstrating specialized excellence in behavioral health fields. All five programs maintain flagship status at the institution, indicating focused academic strengths rather than broad curricular diversity.